diff --git a/scripts/kconfig/lxdialog/checklist.c b/scripts/kconfig/lxdialog/checklist.c
index c92a05a2de17..a2eb80fbc896 100644
--- a/scripts/kconfig/lxdialog/checklist.c
+++ b/scripts/kconfig/lxdialog/checklist.c
@@ -31,6 +31,10 @@ static int list_width, check_x, item_x;
 static void print_item(WINDOW * win, int choice, int selected)
 {
 	int i;
+	char *list_item = malloc(list_width + 1);
+
+	strncpy(list_item, item_str(), list_width - item_x);
+	list_item[list_width - item_x] = '\0';
 
 	/* Clear 'residue' of last item */
 	wattrset(win, dlg.menubox.atr);
@@ -45,13 +49,14 @@ static void print_item(WINDOW * win, int choice, int selected)
 		wprintw(win, "(%c)", item_is_tag('X') ? 'X' : ' ');
 
 	wattrset(win, selected ? dlg.tag_selected.atr : dlg.tag.atr);
-	mvwaddch(win, choice, item_x, item_str()[0]);
+	mvwaddch(win, choice, item_x, list_item[0]);
 	wattrset(win, selected ? dlg.item_selected.atr : dlg.item.atr);
-	waddstr(win, (char *)item_str() + 1);
+	waddstr(win, list_item + 1);
 	if (selected) {
 		wmove(win, choice, check_x + 1);
 		wrefresh(win);
 	}
+	free(list_item);
 }
 
 /*